Singer-songwriter Noah Gundersen at The Loft in La Jolla

Written by Emily Shaw

On Friday, November 22 folky singer-songwriter Noah Gundersen will perform at UCSD’s The Loft in La Jolla.

Gundersen’s songs have been described as “catchy” and “heartfelt” and that includes those on his newest EP, “Family.” The EP’s songs are dedicated to honoring Gundersen’s family and thank them for helping him become who he is today.

Rather appropriately, Gundersen’s sister, Abby, will be on tour promoting “Family” with him, accompanying his songs with violin and vocal harmonies.

The Seattle native’s star has been rising as of late, with two of his songs being featured on FX’s television program, “Sons of Anarchy.”

Catch him at The Loft in La Jolla before he becomes too big: Gundersen already has plans to release a promising full-band album.

Tickets are $12 for the general public and $5 for UCSD students. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show begins at 9 p.m.

After the show, plan to spend your weekend at Thumbprint Gallery in La Jolla to get the low-down on a different type of up-and-coming artist. The gallery is located at 920 Kline Street and features contemporary, urban art, lowbrow, and graffiti art from local artists. It is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Source:
http://theloft.ucsd.edu/index.php/event/892

What a drag: Bitchy Bingo is back in La Jolla!

Written by Emily Shaw

On Monday, October 28, Bitchy Bingo makes its heavily anticipated return to The Loft.

It’s bound to be a night of fun with the event hosted by a crew of bawdy, beautified drag queens. Oh, and there’s bingo, too. The night will be divided into sections featuring three games of bingo, each boasting the chance for someone to win an awesome prize.

The notorious event is hosted at UCSD’s hangout, The Loft. The venue is also home to Zanzibar, a café that boasts delicious treats and a long wine and beer list. If the show’s to your liking, you might want to buy a round for the night’s leading ladies!

Doors to The Loft open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. But be sure to get there early! Seating to this free event will fill up fast.

Later that week, be sure to head out on an equally fun – though perhaps less glam – outing to La Jolla’s Thumbprint Gallery. The gallery is located at 920 Kline Street and features contemporary, urban, lowbrow, and graffiti art from local artists. It is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Source

http://theloft.ucsd.edu/index.php/event/891

Indie band Typhoon to perform at The Loft in La Jolla

Written by  Emily Shaw

The much buzzed about band, Typhoon, are set to take the stage at UCSD’s The Loft as part of their headlining U.S. fall tour. They are a very large band and usually perform onstage with anywhere between 10 and 14 musicians. The band has two EPs and two albums. Their newest album, White Light, will be released on August 20. They are set to perform The Loft in La Jolla on October 15.

The band formed in 2005 and call Portland, Oregon home. Over the past of couple years, Typhoon has been building their fanbase by touring with big names like The Shins, The Decemberists, and Explosions in the Sky. Additionally, the band has played at popular festivals, such as Osheaga, the Newport Folk Festival, and the very well known Lollapalooza.

Be sure to catch Typhoon on their fall tour when they come through town on Tuesday, October 15. Tickets to the band’s show at The Loft are $12 for the public and $10 for UCSD students. Doors to the venue open at 8 p.m. and the show begins at 9 p.m.

Also, don’t forget to take your post- or pre-concert rush to another hotspot for the arts in La Jolla, Thumbprint Gallery. The La Jolla art gallery is located at 920 Kline Street and features contemporary, urban, lowbrow and graffiti art from local artists. It is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Sources:
http://theloft.ucsd.edu/index.php/event/889
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhoon_(Portland_band)

Blabbermouth at UCSD October 7 in La Jolla

Written by Emily Shaw

On Monday, October 7, everyone’s favorite campus hangout, UCSD’s The Loft, will host Blabbermouth. The event in La Jolla promises to be a night of pure fun as writers of prose, poetry, and fiction take the stage to perform for guests. If the written word isn’t your thing, Blabbermouth will also feature musicians and performers.

The Loft’s doors open at 6 p.m. and the event will kick off at 7 p.m. Make sure to arrive early, as Blabbermouth is one of the most popular event series hosted at The Loft.

While you wait, you might want to visit Zanzibar Café, conveniently located in the venue. The café offers appetizers that can be easily shared amongst your buddies as well as a comprehensive wine and beer list.

One final incentive, if you needed another push? Blabbermouth is free.

Later in the week, continue to absorb more culture at La Jolla’s Thumbprint Gallery, featuring local up-and-coming artists. The La Jolla art gallery is located at 920 Kline Street and features contemporary, urban, lowbrow, and graffiti art. It is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Source

http://theloft.ucsd.edu/index.php/event/893

Riding the wave at Ridford Library Art Gallery’s new exhibition in La Jolla

Written by Emily Shaw

On June 30, the Ridford Library Art Gallery welcomed patrons to its brand new show, “Wavelength La Jolla.” The surf-themed show in La Jolla comprises the work of surfers-cum-artists, that is, individuals who are equally proficient on a wave as they are with a paintbrush. The pieces all focus on the water sport, whether in a literal sense or by attempting to depict the experience and emotions associated with the act.

While the theme is the same across the board, of the twelve artists there is a varying degree of style and type of art. For instance, Norm Daniels’ work can be described as impressionism, whereas Keith Short and Paul Elder specialize in graphic design. William Feeney prefers performance art, while Roy Kerckhoff works in a photographic medium. Actual surfboards embellished by the artists will be on display, as well.

“Wavelength La Jolla” is the brainchild of Athenaeum Music & Arts Library employee Martha Walters, who doubles as a curator. The exhibition was made possible in part due to the generous assistance of the Friends of La Jolla Library. The show runs through September 15 and admission is free.

To see additional work by local artists, be sure to stop by La Jolla’s own Thumbprint Gallery, located at 920 Kline Street. The La Jolla art gallery features contemporary, urban, lowbrow, and graffiti art from local artists. It is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Source:
http://www.lajollalight.com/2013/06/25/its-a-swell-show-surf%E2%80%99s-up-at-new-riford-library-art-gallery-exhibition/

“Approximately Infinite Universe” at the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla

"Channeling Aura I" by Desiree Holman

Written by Emily Shaw

The Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla opened doors to its exhibition, “Approximately Infinite Universe” on June 7 and will continue to show the collection through September 1. The seemingly strange title is borrowed from avant-garde artist Yoko Ono’s 1973 album. The moniker is fitting, however, as the show not only features Ono’s work, but is comprised of pieces generally dealing with the workings of our universe.

From time travel to adventures in space to futuristic creations, the art of “Infinite Universe” puts our universe on display from every strange, ugly and fascinating angle.

The museum is open from 11 p.m. to 5 p.m. every day, Wednesdays not included. Admission fees are generally low and children and students under the age of 25 are admitted for free. Tickets are free for all attendees every third Thursday.

For a bit of added fun, check the museums website to see their schedule of music events and movie showings, usually taking place from 5 p.m. 8 p.m. on designated nights. Otherwise, stop by for dinner and a show. Food trucks line the streets outside the museum most Thursday nights.  

After visiting “Infinite Universe” and taking in the works by artists like Chitra Ganesh, Desiree Holman, and Saya Woolfalk, be sure to stop by another La Jolla art hotspots, Thumbprint Gallery. The art gallery is Located at 920 Kline Street and features contemporary, urban, lowbrow, and graffiti art from local artists. Thumbprint Gallery is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Source

http://www.lajollalight.com/2013/07/11/exhibit-explores-alternate-realities-at-museum-of-contemporary-art-san-diego-in-la-jolla/?pid=5156

La Jolla Snake Makes One Pause for Thought

Snake Path-Smith

They say ignorance is bliss. However, through curiosity, through study, through knowledge does one truly find oneself. It is a theme that has been discussed in countless texts, including the Bible. Artists and authors have toyed with the boundaries of moralistic stories related to the theme of knowledge and sin. The Stuart Collection at the University of California San Diego in La Jolla has their own piece that explores this idea: “Snake Path” by Alexis Smith.

The path is constructed of colored hexagonal slate tiles that create the scales of a serpent. The body of the snake makes a 560-foot, winding path, with its head and tongue leading the pedestrian to the Geisel Library. The snake wraps its body around part of the concrete walkway. Coils of the tail create small circular gardens. One of the gardens is representative of the Garden of Eden with pomegranate and other fruit trees. A bench in the garden is inscribed with a quote from Thomas Gray: "Yet ah why should they know their fate/When sorrow never comes too late/And happiness too swiftly flies/Thought would destroy their Paradise/No more, where ignorance is bliss, tis folly to be wise." A large granite book sits beside the Snake Path with a quote from Milton’s Paradise Lost: “And wilt thou not be loath to leave this Paradise, but shalt possess a Paradise within thee, happier far."

The connections of the snake, the garden, and the book are clear. The Snake Path leads students and pedestrians, around the garden, towards the knowledge held within Geisel Library. The Snake Path may also allude to the growth of the students, their development, and preparation for the “real” world.

The Snake Path is a meditative walk, allowing one to think about the meanings and ideas behind its construction, and location. To learn more about contemporary, lowbrow, and local art in La Jolla, visit ThumbprintGallery on Kline Street. The gallery is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Source:
http://stuartcollection.ucsd.edu/artists/smith-a.shtml

Sound Designer Learns His Trade at UCSD in La Jolla

Martin Lopez is sort of like the guy from Police Academy that can reproduce any sound.  He has done it all from the roar of Godzilla, to the sound of Spider-Man’s web slinging, and everything in between. Yet nothing Lopez learned from University of California San Diego in La Jolla could have prepared him for the challenge of making sounds for some of the movies he has worked on. There was no class to teach him the sound a killer tomato might make.

While attending school in La Jolla Lopez was originally hoping to become a doctor, but 4 ½ years later he ended up graduating with a degree in Communications/Visual Arts and the intention of being a cinematographer. His first credited work was as sound designer for the sequel to the cult hit, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. He tried his hand at writing soon after but abandoned that to focus mainly on sound work.

         

Lopez was hired on as a sound director from the 1998 remake of Japanese monster flick Godzilla. This new Godzilla was to be a completely new monster but was to still pay homage to the original. Lopez built a 6-foot artificial lung to create the sounds of the monster’s breathing. This was said to be the most realistic way to produce the breathing of a creature the size of a building. Sounds had to be made for when the monster jumped, ran, climbed and everything else a prehistoric beast might do. Maybe the time studying to be a doctor at UCSD helped a little bit in this case.

In just over two decades Lopez has managed to work on over four-dozen diverse movies ranging from action films like Karate Kid to documentaries like Michael Jackson’s This Is It. As a sound designer and sound effects editor, he is responsible for creating all of the non-dialogue and non-music sound elements for use in a film to enrich or enhance the film. Lopez is scheduled to start on a thriller called Broken City, starring Russell Crowe, and he is looking forward to the challenge of a new genre.  He still credits finding his voice from his time at UCSD in La Jolla.

Music, arts, and theater are a fundamental part of UCSD’s educational focus. The support of UCSD and the surrounding La Jolla community allows for students like Lopez to explore their self-expression and turn their art into a career. To learn more about contemporary art in La Jolla, visit Thumbprint Gallery on Kline St., open 12-4pm Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

Zoot Suits Return to La Jolla

When most people think of the 1940’s they envision a scene from Casablanca: with fedoras, trench coats, and perfect makeup. However, Kristin Brandt now sees Zoot Suits. A graduate of UCSD theater program in La Jolla, Brandt returns to direct the retelling of the infamous 1943 “Zoot Suit Riots.” The San Diego Reparatory Theatre play will be taking place at the Lyceum Theater in Horton Plaza until August 12, 2012.

The tale is based on the Sleepy Lagoon Murder Trial in Los Angeles. The play reenacts the scapegoat-ing of Latin youth who dressed in the so-called “Zoot Suits.” The 175 Pachuco were held in custody for various crimes, and the murder was never solved. Rioting ensued across the city, as the Latin people were enraged at the injustice against their youth. Luis Valdez was the first the write the script for this play, which became the first Chicano play on Broadway, in 1979.

The actors of “Zoot Suit Riots” portray the racial tension. The dancing and music are both relevant to the progression of the story and the historical aspects of the time. Music is played by a live band, mixing Latin Jazz and 1940s big band into an upbeat accompaniment for the equally vivacious choreography. Javier Valesco, who has produced dances for the La Jolla Playhouse, the Old globe, and the San Diego Reparatory Theatre, writes both the music and the choreography for “Zoot Suit Riots.”

After seeing the contemporary re-telling of the “Zoot Suit Riots” dive deeper into contemporary artistic expression by visiting Thumbprint Gallery on Kline Street, in La Jolla. The La Jolla art gallery exhibits urban and lowbrow art by local artists and is open 12-4pm Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Source: http://www.lajollalight.com/2012/07/17/ucsd-alumni-tackle-gritty-swinging-tale-of-zoot-suit-riots/

Dinosoul Comes to Thumbprint Gallery in La Jolla

Many artists explore the concepts of truth, identity, and spirituality through studying the past. Finding inspiration in history can lead to vast leaps in personal development. One artist, Enosh, takes his own creatures on a journey through prehistoric history to find new characteristics and spirituality. The “Crevice Creeps” are re-imagined into dinosaur cross breeds in search of their identity. Enosh will exhibit this solo show entitled “Dinosoul” at Thumbprint Gallery on July 14th.

Enosh graduated from the Art Institute of California, San Diego, in 2003. He has become an important member of local artists community. Enosh utilizes a variety of mixed media; using different kinds of paint and grounds and surfaces. From mixed paint, spray paint, ink, canvas, stickers, and neighborhood walls, Enosh plays with these combinations to create the effects he desires. Enosh’s work can be seen in many places due to his collaborations with local musicians, event promoters, and freelance work. The Crevice Creeps, the characters Enosh created to engage his viewers, personify the human elements of all humans. With these characters, Enosh endeavors to encourage soulfulness and positivity within people of all ages.

The opening reception for “Dinosoul” will take place on July 14th, 2012 at Thumbprint Gallery, at 920 Kline Street #104 in La Jolla. The event will begin at 5pm and run until 10pm. Complimentary beverages will be available. The reception is open to the public and to all ages. The show will be on exhibit until August 5th.